Periodic & Circular Motion: Periodic Motion and Pendulums
Explore how the mass and the length of the pendulum affect the oscillation period of the pendulum.
Your students will be amazed that such different motion has the same basic form as a vertical oscillating mass. A much more satisfying outcome than comparing times from a stopwatch.
Lab Summary
At the heart of most grandfather clocks is a pendulum tuned to a very specific period. In addition to developing your students understanding of periodic motion and pendulums, they will gain insight about this mechanism that has kept time for centuries.
Your Students will measure the position of a pendulum bob while it is in motion enabling them to see the motion and motion graph unfold simultaneously. When a pendulum system is studied with a mass and spring system, they can be used to demonstrate that sinusoidal motion describes seemingly different physical systems.
Theory
Displaced from equilibrium and released, gravity will provide a restoring force for a swinging pendulum. A motion sensor can quickly translate this motion into a graph of position vs time, demonstrating it sinusoidal nature.
Downloads
- Download Free Lab (PDF, 280 KB) (278 KB, .pdf)
(student version)
Method
Use a Motion Sensor to measure the motion of a pendulum. Compare the period of oscillation when the mass or length of the pendulum is changed.
Here's What You Need
U.S. Educator prices shown.
Probeware
PASPORT Motion Sensor (PS-2103A) - $80
Accurately measures position, velocity, and acceleration of a target. For use with PASPORT Interfaces.
Xplorer GLX (PS-2002) - $349
The Xplorer GLX is a data collection, graphing, and analysis tool designed for science students and educators.
Other Products
Universal Table Clamp (ME-9376B) - $49
Attach to tables, shelves, or ring stands. Also use it as a versatile rod stand.
Four Scale Meter Stick (SE-8695) - $13
A convenient measuring device that includes four different metric scales of various precision.
Ohaus Triple-Beam Balance (without Tare) (SE-8723) - $147
This Ohaus triple-beam mechanical balance (without tare) is accurate and easy to use. This balance has been a standard weighing instrument in student laboratories for decades.
Basic Calorimetry Set (TD-8557A) - $129
Students can determine the specific heat of a substance, the latent heats of vaporization, and fusion of water.
Braided Physics String (SE-8050) - $22
This string is tough, resists stretching, and will not unravel. Provides 320 meters of string.
Lab Manual
This activity is included in Physics with the Xplorer GLX (PS-2826), complete with Teacher Information pages, student instructions and handouts, and sample data for a total of 35 probeware-based labs. For your convenience, we offer bundles which provide the probeware necessary for the activities in the manual. For more information on these resources and bundles, click here.
